Landscaping Rules in Bothell, WA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Bothell, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Bothell, Washington, owners and occupants must trim vegetation that overhangs any sidewalk within seven feet, measured vertically, and vegetation that encroaches on or overhangs the traveled portion of a street or alley within 11 feet. The duty covers the property and adjacent planting strips.
Bothell Tree Trimming Clearance Over Sidewalks and Streets
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 8.24.045
B. In addition to duties the owner or occupant may have to abate nuisances, the owner or occupant of property shall: ... 2. Destroy, remove or trim vegetation or parts thereof on the property or on adjacent planting strips which overhang any sidewalk within seven feet measured vertically from any point on the sidewalk; 3. Destroy, remove or trim vegetation or any parts thereof on the property o...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Bothell, Washington, nobody can clear land or conduct a forest practice without first obtaining a forest practices/land clearing permit under Bothell Municipal Code § 12.12.030. The permit is Type I when environmental review is not required and Type II when it is. Dead or diseased trees, emergency removals, and ornamental residential landscape trees are exempt.
Tree Removal and Land Clearing Permits in Bothell, Washington
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 12.12.030
No person, corporation, or other legal entity shall conduct Class I, II, III or IV forest practices, as defined in RCW 76.09.050, or engage in or cause land clearing in the city without first having obtained a forest practices/land clearing permit, except for exempt activities as provided otherwise under BMC 12.12.040. A forest practices/land clearing permit is a Type I permit if environmental ...
Weed Ordinances
In the City of Bothell, Washington, Chapter 8.24 measures weeds and grass by hazard, not by a stated height. Owners and occupants must destroy, remove or trim vegetation that is a fire, health or safety hazard, including on adjacent planting strips and alleys, and must keep the abutting sidewalk clear.
Bothell Weed and Vegetation Cleanup Duties
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 8.24.045
A. It is the duty of the owner of the property and of any occupant of the property wherein or whereon any such nuisance exists to abate the nuisance by destroying, removing or trimming vegetation, and removing or destroying any health, safety or fire hazard. B. In addition to duties the owner or occupant may have to abate nuisances, the owner or occupant of property shall: 1. Remove vegetation ...
Native Plants
In the City of Bothell, Washington, required landscaping on new development is built from a plant list adopted by the community development director, and the city can require Pacific Northwest indigenous plants, particularly drought resistant species that minimize water, maintenance, and fertilizer needs (BMC § 12.18.140). Bark, mulch, or gravel cannot stand in for plants.
Native and Drought Resistant Plants in Bothell Landscaping
Light RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 12.18.140
A. The community development director shall adopt a list of plant materials which may be used to comply with the provisions of this chapter. A copy of this plant list will be available for inspection and copying in the department of community development during regular business hours. B. The applicant may use plant materials on the adopted plant list or other plant materials as approved by the ...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bothell city rules.
Landscaping Rules in King County →